Iskandar Puteri (3 May, 2017): The Viper Challenge series, widely accepted as Asia’s biggest obstacle course running event, turned up the heat on fitness freaks as they were pushed well above their limits in Johor.
The little township of Medini, in Iskandar Puteri, Johor came alive recently when it hosted the Sunway Iskandar Viper Challenge for a second straight year, with 9000 participants, almost 2,400 of which are from Singapore. In an effort to challenge the physical and mental fitness of the competitors, this Viper Challenge series covered a distance of 15km with 18 obstacles.
Competitors were up with the sun as registration began at 5.30am. They then made their way through the first flag-off precisely at 7am. The participants that came from all over Malaysia and the regions were flagged-off in waves 30 minutes apart with the last batch at 11am.
The Medini leg was the second of five Viper Challenge series in Malaysia. The first edition was held in Penang just last month.
This latest series was graced by the presence of the Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Johor Bahru Tengah, Tuan Haji Adib Azhari Bin Daud, who flagged off the 8.30am wave together with President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Datuk Ir. Khairil Anwar Ahmad; Deputy Managing Director of Sunway Berhad, Property Development Division of Malaysia and Singapore, Tan Wee Bee; and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sunway Iskandar Sdn Bhd, Gerard Soosay.
The Viper Challenge has grown tremendously popular in a very short time and now boasts well over 130,000 enthusiasts who have competed in events both locally and internationally. It is well supported by Malaysia Major Events, a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency which comes under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MoTAC).
With the introduction of bigger and tougher obstacles in this year’s edition of the Viper Challenge event at Sunway Iskandar measuring 1,800 acres, it was an exciting and unforgettable experience for fitness freaks as they ran, jumped, climbed, crawled and slid towards the finish line.
“We were excited to host the event in Sunway Iskandar township for the second time. In line with Sunway Property’s campaign tagline, ‘Living Sunway, Living Community’, we were happy to bring together 9,000 participants from all walks of life to experience our township whilst encouraging the community here to live a healthy lifestyle”, said Gerard Soosay, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Iskandar Sdn Bhd.
The importance of teamwork took centre stage as competitors worked together to overcome the obstacles and ensured no one was left behind before completing the course to earn their respective medal and t-shirt.
Chris Atlin, a 34-year-old competitor from the United Kingdom (UK), was extremely satisfied for having completed all 18 obstacles within 70 minutes.
“This is my first Viper Challenge event and I am impressed, especially with the innovative obstacles around the place,” said Atlin, who is a designer by profession. “The hot weather made it more challenging as it is colder back in the UK, however, I am glad that I completed all the obstacles. I hope to join again in the next series as I would like to complete the Series Finisher medal.”
He added that it was wonderful to see events like this growing rapidly in many countries and admires the passion of the locals in grooming their own obstacle events.
For 26-year-old Sarah Lee who is from Malacca, this event was a great way of bonding with her new working colleagues.
“I recently started a new job and when I heard that Viper Challenge was coming to Johor, I knew this would be a golden opportunity to bond with my new colleagues and hence, signed us up for this event. We had a great time completing the obstacles together as there was no one left behind. We hope that we will be able to make it for the next one in Genting,” said Sarah.
“The Viper Challenge always comes up with unique obstacles every year as we aim to keep things interesting and challenging for the participants. We hope to be back in Johor again next year as we have a great number of Viper Challenge followers here,” said Simran Latif, Head of Operations of Viper Challenge.
Viper Challenge events have multiple formats which cater to the masses as well as an elite few. Competitors are required to complete any three of the five events – entry-level (Singapore, Penang and Shah Alam) or mid-level events (Genting Highlands, Johor) before making their way to the final event, the Great Eastern Viper Challenge in Cyberjaya.
For all hardcore obstacle course enthusiasts, completing three series and the big finale is vital to obtain the necessary pieces and complete the Series Finisher medal.
For those who missed out on the action at Medini, should make their way to the next Viper Challenge series at Genting Highlands on July 15, 2017 or keep a September 9, 2017 date at the majestic Shah Alam Stadium.
Forget fear and worry about addiction as just competing in the Viper Challenge is an exceptional experience.
